Billy Long

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address an important issue: the attack against America and its citizens by terrorists in Benghazi. Four Americans, including our Ambassador, Chris Stevens, have been killed. The American people deserve the truth about Benghazi and to know who was responsible, not convenient stories blaming the violence on some filmmaker's free speech rights. The people who died deserve justice. As we investigate this attack, and the response of the civilian and military leaders in command, we must determine whether the paralysis that seemed to characterize the government's reaction was the result of individual bad decisions or a broader institutional problem. Our military and our soldiers are the most capable in the world, but if their commanders refuse to send them into battle, they cannot safeguard American lives or interests. The American people and our allies abroad need to know that the United States has the resolve to act in the face of uncertainty. Our enemies need to know that when they attack Americans, they do so at great danger because Americans do not leave our people behind.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Springfield- Greene County Park Board's 100th Anniversary. The Park Board was founded on May 22, 1913 and immediately assumed the maintenance and preservation of Washington and Lafayette Parks, both created shortly after the Civil War. By the end of World War II, it administered Springfield's ten historic parks, including: Dickerson Park Zoo, Doling, Grant Beach, Fassnight, Lafayette, Phelps Grove, Sequiota, Silver Springs, Smith, and Washington. Tremendous growth took place from the 1950s to the present, particularly under the leadership of longtime Parks Director Dan Kinney, who more than doubled the size of the system during his tenure from 1971 to 2005. The name changed to the Springfield-Greene County Park Board in 1996, when voters approved expansion of the system beyond city limits. The Park Board now counts more than 100 sites and many more facilities within its county-wide system, ranging from neighborhood playgrounds to multi-use recreational facilities. The system includes three golf courses, three Emily centers, a zoo, a farm park, a botanical center, several sports and athletic complexes, two indoor aquatics centers, six outdoor swimming pools, multiple school-park sites and more than 100 miles of recreational trails. The Park Board has earned state and national recognition, most notably the ``Gold Medal Award'' for best overall parks and recreation department of its size in 2000 from the National Recreation and Park Association. In 2003, the City of Springfield, Missouri--Greene County was named ``Missouri Sportstown USA'' by Sports Illustrated magazine. The United States Olympic Committee has designated the Park Board as one of its select Community Olympic Development Program sites for the sports of tennis, volleyball, archery, and ice hockey. Each year, park facilities host more than 50 national, regional, state and local tournaments in softball, baseball, soccer, hockey, tennis, volleyball and golf, and it maintains an active partnership with more than 200 volunteer groups and entities in the area, enhancing recreation and outreach both within and beyond parks facilities. For 100 years, the Park Board has skillfully managed the beautiful parks and recreation facilities throughout the Springfield area, and I am confident that the next 100 years will be even more impressive.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Drury University's Men's Basketball and Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Teams on their national championships. Drury University is the only school in the NCAA at any level in this 2012-13 school year to have won three national championships. The Panthers Basketball Team won in dramatic fashion over Metro State to win 74-73 after they overcame a 17-point deficit to win on a last minute free throw in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 7. This is Drury's first NCAA-II National Basketball Championship, and it also marked Drury's 23rd straight win of the season. They won through their hard work and the sheer determination to win. I want to commend Head Coach Steve Hesser, Assistant Coaches Ja Havens and Steven Gum, and Graduate Assistant Brandon Kimbrough for guiding the team through its extraordinary season. Coach Hesser did a remarkable job, and the National Association of Basketball Coaches honored Coach Hesser as its National D-II Coach of the Year, an award he certainly deserves. Drury University's Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Teams, coached by Brian Reynolds, swept the titles on March 9 in Birmingham, Alabama. This was the ninth straight national championship for the Drury Men--a record for NCAA Division II schools--and the fourth national title in the last five years for the Drury Women. I also want to commend Assistant Coach Jason Hite, Diving Coach Richard Hackett, Graduate Assistant Michal Winiewicz, and Graduate Assistant Marta Stepien for all their work this year. I also congratulate Coach Reynolds, who was named National Coach of the Year for both the men's and women's competitions for his efforts this year. Coach Reynolds has developed a truly unique and dominant program. The Springfield community is proud of the Drury teams for reaching such a high level of success. Drury University won three national titles and three national championships in the span of a month. Drury's national championships are remarkable achievements, and the teams will have memories to last a lifetime. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Drury Panthers on their outstanding athletic performances this year.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Walnut Grove Lady Tigers Basketball Team for winning the Missouri Class 1 Girls State Championship. The Lady Tigers clinched the title with a thrilling finish, making a free throw with 1 second left for a final score of 47-46. Members of the team include Miranda Allison, Audree Crain, Carrigan Comstock, Ellen Hayter, Heather Harman, Lexi Harman, Shelby Harman, Megan Shuler, Madisyn Freeze, and Karsyn Hejna. Through their hard work and dedication on and off the court, the Lady Tigers developed into a truly great championship team. The Lady Tigers ended the season 30-2, which set a school record for most wins in a season. I also want to commend Head Coach Rory Henry and Assistant Coaches Deidre Parks and Jeff Cope for a job well-done on developing such a strong basketball program. The Walnut Grove community is justifiably proud of this extraordinary group of young and talented student-athletes. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Walnut Grove Lady Tigers as they celebrate their Class 1 Girls State Championship.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Floyd VanDerhoef for his service to our nation and his honorary membership into the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum's Board of Directors. Floyd served as a first lieutenant and captain in A Company, 56th Armored Infantry Battalion. Floyd's battalion was one of the first units in Patton's First Army to cross over the Rhine into Germany, where it helped liberate between 40,000-50,000 prisoners held en route to the Dachau concentration camp. Following his service, Floyd remained close with the veterans who served alongside him, and he was instrumental in establishing the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum in Abilene, Texas. He donated his own memorabilia and even paid for gold stars on the museum's floor to honor his fallen comrades. It is important for all of us to take a moment and say thank you to our veterans like Floyd VanDerhoef who sacrificed for our country and our freedom. From the time of our nation's founding to today, these brave men and women have earned the enduring gratitude of our nation, and we honor their selfless service. I am honored to recognize Floyd VanDerhoef for his service to our nation and for his commitment to honor his fellow veterans.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Crane Lady Pirates Basketball Team for winning the Missouri Class 2 Girls State Championship. The win capped off a commanding season in which the Lady Pirates won 30 games, including a 21-game winning streak. Members of the team include Maggie McMenamy, Allie Hagler, Addie Reel, Riley Israel, Loni Johnson, Jalee Johnson, Kylie Vaught, Lexi Vaught, Emma Lander, Sam Bunting, Justeen Mahan, Kylee Moore, Shelby Roder, and Keren Belin. It was through their hard work and dedication that they achieved such a high level of success. I also want to recognize Head Coach Jeremy Mullins and Assistant Coaches Billy R. Redus and Maranda Vaught. They developed a powerhouse program, and they should be commended on developing these young women into strong leaders on and off the court. The Crane community is justifiably proud of this extraordinary group of talented student-athletes. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Crane Lady Pirates as they celebrate their Class 2 Girls State Championship.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Neosho High School wrestling team for winning the Missouri Class 3 State Championship. Their win is the third state wrestling title in four years, which is a remarkable feat. They showed grit and determination throughout the season, and they came from behind to win the title once again. Members of the team include: Kyler Rea, John Williams, River Buttram, Dakota McGarrah, Nate Rodriguez, Jason Box, Kyle Hostetter, Sam Williams, Chance Branstetter, Jacob Brock, Ben Elledge, Christian Lopez, Aaron Clardy; and managers Emily Massey, Raegan Kibler, Madyson Reiboldt, and Macy Smith. I want to recognize Christian Lopez for winning the individual title in his weight class. With the team championship on the line, it was his win that gave his team the points they needed for victory. It was a commanding performance under pressure. I also want to congratulate senior Nate Rodriguez for winning the individual title in his weight class. The four-time Academic All-State student finished his high school career with three state championships and a final record of 210-13, which places Nate as Missouri's all-time career record holder, which is an extraordinary accomplishment. The coaching staff, which includes Head Coach Jeremy Phillips, Assistant Coaches Cody Crocker, Josh Sonis, Brett Watkins, and Tyler Gordon, Volunteer Assistant Brandon Russow, and Trainer James Bolin, has developed a powerhouse wrestling program, and they should be commended on an amazing accomplishment and a job well done. The team, with the help of its coaches and the support of their families and community, persevered through the turmoil of the season and the trials of the state championships. Together, they grew as individuals and as a team, and their successes show what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and belief.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Will Roark for winning the Missouri Class 1 State wrestling championship in the 120 pound division. The win capped off a commanding season for Will, a sophomore who went 54-1 this season. His record after two seasons stands at 109-4, a truly impressive record. Will reached this level of success through hard work and dedication. In his off-season and regular season matches, he would often choose to wrestle opponents in higher weight categories, accepting the challenge as a way to improve. Will was also voted District 2 Class 1 Wrestler of the Year. Will's hard work also extends to the classroom, and the results show: he is a two-time Academic All-State scholar. This win is a vindication of his efforts. His work to improve on the mat and in the classroom is truly commendable, and I urge my colleagues in congratulating Will on his championship win.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Republic High School Boys Basketball Team for winning the Missouri Class 4 State Championship. Winning the state championship is a proud moment these boys achieved through team work and commitment. Members of the team include: Ty Abney, Jake Fletcher, Derric Mertes, Grant Hancock, Marcus Miller, Dylan Bekemeier, Canyon Smith, Cody Geiger, Chase Hoffmann, Dillen Ramsey, Dakota Fortner, Josh Vaughn, Jordan Kerr, Brock Yocum, and managers Tyler O'Dell and Zach McGill. Through their hard work and dedication they finished the season with an overall record of 28-4 and the Missouri Class 4 State Championship. I also want to commend the coaching staff, which includes Head Coach Trevyor Fisher, Dan Stander, and Donny Call, for a job well done. This season was Coach Fisher's first year at the program, and he certainly begins his head coaching career on a strong foundation. The Republic Basketball Team had tremendous support throughout their season; their friends, family, and fans attended the tournaments, cheered them on throughout the basketball season and followed them to Columbia for the state championship. Over 500 fans welcomed the team home for a victory celebration. This win is a proud moment for the team and the community, and I urge my colleagues in congratulating the team on their victory.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Republic High School Boys Basketball Team for winning the Missouri Class 4 State Championship. Winning the state championship is a proud moment these boys achieved through team work and commitment. Members of the team include: Ty Abney, Jake Fletcher, Derric Mertes, Grant Hancock, Marcus Miller, Dylan Bekemeier, Canyon Smith, Cody Geiger, Chase Hoffmann, Dillen Ramsey, Dakota Fortner, Josh Vaughn, Jordan Kerr, Brock Yocum, and managers Tyler O'Dell and Zach McGill. Through their hard work and dedication they finished the season with an overall record of 28-4 and the Missouri Class 4 State Championship. I also want to commend the coaching staff, which includes Head Coach Trevyor Fisher, Dan Stander, and Donny Call, for a job well done. This season was Coach Fisher's first year at the program, and he certainly begins his head coaching career on a strong foundation. The Republic Basketball Team had tremendous support throughout their season; their friends, family, and fans attended the tournaments, cheered them on throughout the basketball season and followed them to Columbia for the state championship. Over 500 fans welcomed the team home for a victory celebration. This win is a proud moment for the team and the community, and I urge my colleagues in congratulating the team on their victory.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Rayanna Anderson for her service as Director of the Small Business and Technology Development Center, SBTDC, at Missouri State University. Throughout her tenure as the SBTDC director at Missouri State University, Rayanna and her staff have consulted with over 605 small businesses and helped business owners obtain over $54 million in financing and investments. Their efforts towards helping small businesses have had a profound economic impact for Southwest Missouri. In 2009 alone, the SBTDC helped 170 local small businesses retain or create over 1,500 jobs while boosting sales by over $21 million. To recognize these achievements, the U.S. Small Business Administration recently awarded the SBTDC at Missouri State University its Region VII Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award, an honor that this center certainly merits. SBTDC programs fulfill a vital role in our economy by fostering small business growth, which provides most jobs in America. The start-up and growth of small businesses is a crucial component of our economy's success because roughly 60 percent of all jobs in America are provided by small businesses. They are also a key source of innovation and creation, measures that further enhance economic growth. For people who are new to business, assistance with funding or receiving sound advice can be invaluable in making a business succeed. The SBTDC at Missouri State University plays an important role for Southwest Missouri businesses, and Rayanna Anderson's leadership has been outstanding. I am proud of her, her staff, and of the center's accomplishments, and I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing her for her outstanding efforts.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Springfield Missouri's ``History Museum on the Square.'' The new History Museum on the Square encompasses several historic buildings that are being renovated to offer the community state-of-the- art exhibits in over 55,000 square feet, including the historic Fox Theatre. The museum houses a collection of over 100,000 artifacts, including 40,000 historic photographs. The artifacts and exhibits showcase Springfield's prominent past, which includes the Battle of Wilson's Creek, a shootout in the town square involving Wild Bill Hickok, and the development of Route 66 through the heart of the city. The new exhibit that opens on April 28 features ``Woodruff's Dream: The Mother Road through Springfield--The Route 66 Exhibit,'' which explores the impact of Route 66 on the Springfield community and will feature never-before- seen items and photographs. The Museum on the Square is a great way to restore and transform the beautiful historic buildings throughout the square. By offering these new interactive exhibits, the museum has created an exciting way for visitors to explore Springfield's past. I want to congratulate the Museum for its creative efforts, and I urge my colleagues to join me.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. We're a Nation of builders. We all agree we need to get the Nation's economy growing again in order to create jobs. The manufacturing sector will play an integral role in creating jobs for hardworking Americans. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, I look forward to working with my colleagues as we continue our hearing series focused on our Nation's manufacturing sector. I enjoy highlighting the strong manufacturing base in the Seventh District of Missouri and showcasing the amazing work of businesses in the district. I'm looking forward to our annual manufacturing tour next month and meeting with the hardworking, tireless Missourians who are the backbone of a strong manufacturing sector in the United States. I remain hopeful that these opportunities will result in a growing manufacturing base and more jobs for southwest Missouri. Our Nation needs a strong and robust manufacturing sector which will help create jobs and grow our Nation's economy. I will continue to support that effort and allow our Nation's manufacturing sector to prosper.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mike Jackson, a distinguished wrestling coach from Ozark High School, who was recently inducted into the Missouri Wrestling Association Hall of Fame. Mike established Ozark's wrestling program and coached there for 26 years before he retired in 2012. During the course of his tenure, Mike amassed an impressive 210-59 record, including 10 conference championships and eight district titles. His teams produced 157 state qualifiers and 49 state medalists. Mike developed such a strong program because he instilled in his wrestlers a strong sense of character on the mat, in the classroom, and in the community. He prided himself on these qualities. During his final year of coaching, for example, he and his squad raised $2,500 for breast cancer awareness. The Ozark community is lucky to have had a coach, teacher, and mentor like Mike Jackson, and I am proud to recognize his accomplishments and induction into the Missouri Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 50th anniversary of Glenn Bernet's career at Evangel University, a Christian university in Springfield, MO. Dr. Bernet began his career in 1963 as a professor of mathematics while finishing his master's degree, and he rose to become dean of the university in 1985, a position he still holds today. Through his tireless work as an educator over the last 50 years, Dr. Bernet has proven to be a constant factor that has given encouragement and growth to not just the university, but to each individual student. Dr. Bernet's leadership has inspired the university to reach for greater things. Under his leadership, Evangel achieved university status, and student enrollment has quadrupled to over 2,100 students. Throughout his career at Evangel, Dr. Bernet has proven to be a model example of an educator, and Evangel University and the Springfield community have benefited greatly because of it. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Glenn Bernet on his 50th anniversary at Evangel University.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sigma House of Springfield, Inc. under its new name, Clarity Recovery and Wellness. First opened in 1977, Sigma House of Springfield, Inc. was the area's first addiction treatment center. Focused on individualized long-term treatment of substance abuse, it provided 1,150 units of treatment in its first 19 months. Over the last 25 years, the center has expanded to include four facilities. In 2012 alone, it treated nearly 12,000 people. Treatment and long-term recovery from substance abuse can offer a renewed outlook on life for those who are addicted and their family members, which can lead to more productive and fulfilling lives and an improved quality of life for the entire community. Resources for treatment and recovery provide important assets for the communities of Springfield, Branson and surrounding counties, and I am proud that Clarity Recovery and Wellness remains committed to providing quality care to those in need of rehabilitation services.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize long time family friend David Leong, a truly unique American hero who has become a local Springfield legend for his creation of Cashew Chicken. Born in Guangdong, China, David immigrated to the United States in 1940 and later went on to serve his new country during World War II. He trained in Fort Lee, Virginia for 3 months before shipping out to Europe. He participated in the Normandy invasion where he hit Omaha Beach as part of the fourth wave of troops. By the war's end, he had served in England, France, Italy, and Belgium. David and his late wife, Wong Shau Ngor, are the proud parents of seven: the late Wing Cheong Leong; Evelyne Leong Mousted; Wing Ling Leong; Wing Yee Leong; Yim Fong Leong; Wing Loke Leong; and Wing Wah Leong. In November 1963, David opened Leong's Tea House, a 350 seat white tablecloth restaurant on the edge of town in what had been a cornfield in Springfield, Missouri. When he started the restaurant he knew that most people were not familiar with Chinese food, but they loved fried foods. He decided to come up with a recipe that combined both worlds together. He created a cashew gravy from soy and oyster sauce, added stock, and poured it over fried chicken, creating the immensely popular Cashew Chicken. There are now over 300 restaurants in the Springfield area that serve it. He decided to close the original restaurant in December 31, 1997, following the death of his beloved wife. After falling ill in 2009, David decided he wanted to open a new restaurant to keep busy. Two years of success at the new Leong's Asian Diner inspired David to launch Leong Foods Incorporated, which specializes in David's original sauces and foods for retail sale in grocery stores. Today at age 92, he still comes in at 8 a.m. and leaves when it gets dark seven days a week. Throughout David's life, he has served his country and city proudly. His story is an American story, and I am honored to recognize his service.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Glendale Girls Swim Team for winning the Missouri State High School Swimming Championship. The team included sisters Nikki and Kaylee Sisson, Madeline Nelson, Lauren Beatty, Emma Chadwell, Tori Harmon, Hannah Leif, and Macie Beairsto. It was through their hard work and dedication that they took overall first place with a score of 190, beating the runner-up by nearly 40 points. I would also like to commend Nikki Sisson on winning the 50-yard freestyle, as well as the 200 and 400-yard freestyle relay teams for also taking first place. Head Coach Steve Boyce and Assistant Coach Robert Muench should also be proud of their accomplishments in guiding this group of talented athletes. I commend them all on a job well done. The Springfield community is justifiably proud of the extraordinary accomplishments of these young ladies. This is the first swim team from Southwest Missouri to win the championship. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Glendale High School State Champion Girls Swim Team.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dale Russell on his induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Dale has seen success throughout his career, both on and off the basketball court. As a senior at Branson High School, he led the Pirate basketball team to a perfect 41-0 record, capped off by the 1955 Class B State Championship. He was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. As a senior at Southwest Missouri State University, Dale and his teammates finished second in the National Division II Basketball Championship. Dale went on to coach basketball for 24 years in Southwest Missouri, including his last 13 at Branson High. In addition to impacting our district's young people on the court, he taught science, health, and physical education classes. The City of Branson, Branson High School, and the 7th District should be very proud of Dale's accomplishments. He truly represents us all in a positive manner. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dale, a phenomenal athlete, teacher, and coach on his impressive accomplishments.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise-today to recognize and honor a distinguished and accomplished individual from the 7th Congressional District of Missouri, Stephanie Klang. Stephanie Klang was selected to be a Captain of America's Road Team for 2013-2014. America's Road Team is the premier group of professional truck drivers, with millions of accident free miles, a commitment to community service, and superb record of safety. Stephanie will spend the next two years traveling our nation representing the trucking industry and promoting highway safety to the public. Stephanie, a resident of Diamond, Missouri and employee of Con-Way Truckload in Joplin, Missouri, is an outstanding driver who is passionate about truck safety advocacy. She exemplifies safety consciousness as the first female in Con-way Truckload history to log more than 2,000,000 miles on America's highways without a preventable crash. With 32 years of truck driving experience, Stephanie represents her company and the industry with the utmost professionalism. She values her role in ensuring the safety of the motoring public and delivering a highly valuable service to our nation's economy. Leading by example, Stephanie has helped to elevate the reputation of professional truck drivers everywhere as safe, conscientious professionals. In March, 2012, National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Deborah Hersman was Stephanie's passenger for the first leg of her trip from Washington D.C., to the Mid-America Trucking Show in Kentucky. At the show, Chairman Hersman called Stephanie out by name during a Women In Trucking event to praise her for staying calm while safely navigating her truck through some of the nation's most congested roadways. Stephanie has proven that she is a top-notch driver, employee, and safety proponent for the trucking industry. She is highly dedicated, qualified, and ready to lead on safety issues as she embarks on her new mission as a member of America's Road Team. I am proud of the example that she has set and honored to call her a neighbor in the 7th Congressional District of Missouri.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week, which is February 7th-14th. This week is dedicated to the millions of Americans who have been diagnosed with Congenital Heart Defects, the challenges their families face and for the families of those who have sadly lost loved ones to this condition. Congenital Heart Disease is considered to be the most common birth defect and is also the leading cause of birth defect related deaths worldwide. Each year approximately forty thousand babies are born in the United States with Congenital Heart Defects and some remain undiagnosed for months or even years after birth. This dangerous condition, if left undiagnosed, can cause sudden cardiac death especially in young adolescent athletes. Unfortunately, despite these statistics, newborns and young athletes are not routinely screened for Congenital Heart Defects and funding for research regarding the condition is limited. Mr. Speaker, Congenital Heart Defects affect millions of Americans and I rise to recognize those affected by this condition and to help bring awareness to this important cause.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 40th Anniversary of the Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade. I was a senior in high school when the case was decided and I still remember that decision vividly today. I could not understand how the Court could legalize the stopping of a beating heart on demand. I thought it was outrageous then and the intervening years since then have done nothing to change my opinion. My opinion has been reinforced by the tragic record of abortion. Fifty five million innocent children have been lost and countless women have suffered both mental and physical pain as a result of abortion. We are a nation of 315 million people. That means that over one sixth of our friends, neighbors, and family members are not with us today because of abortion. Millions of children have been denied the right to live their own lives, to skin their knees on the playground, to go on their first date, to graduate from high school, and to go on to have families of their own. All those unique, amazing lives were ended before we were even able to know them. The tragedy of abortion doesn't stop with the loss of so many innocent children. Like any medical procedure, abortion can have devastating side effects and complications that cause pain and suffering. Mental anguish, regret, and other emotional pain can also result from abortion. It is time for us as a nation to reject such a dismal and heartbreaking procedure. It is time for us to reject the cold callous indifference of abortion that abandons women and their precious children. We're a nation that takes care of our own, that protects the most innocent and vulnerable among us, and stands up for justice for women and children. As Roe v. Wade shows, justice does not flow from the pen of a judge. Justice comes from the loving heart of a human being and from the natural law enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. ``We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.'' Today, let us continue the fight for Life and justice for all Americans and especially for unborn children and their mothers.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brad Belk on his 25 years of service to the Joplin Museum Complex. Brad has made it his mission to promote the local history of Joplin through numerous positions including author, educator, archivist, historian, exhibit designer, conservator, tour guide, historian film script writer, director, and film producer. Brad has collaborated with the design and planning of several off- site permanent exhibits for the Joplin Museum Complex. He has also renovated many of the exhibit areas including the museum's mineral wing and assisted with the historical restoration of the Ralph L. Gray Alumni Center. Throughout the years Brad has given thousands of historical tours, lectures and presentations. He has also overseen the addition of ten major collections to the museum containing over 100,000 artifacts. In addition, Brad has made large contributions to the historical literature of the region writing five books and co-authoring two others. He also has penned numerous articles on the region and directed or appeared in thirteen historical videos--several of which have received awards. He recently wrote and directed a 30-minute video covering the history of Missouri Southern State University, MSSU. Alongside his work at the museum, Brad currently serves on the MSSU Alumni board of directors and is currently completing the 75th anniversary book for Missouri Southern. Over the years, Brad has served on the Missouri History Speakers' Bureau, as Co-Chairman of the City of Joplin's 125th Celebration, and as a board member of the Route 66 Association of Missouri. He was also a member of the Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation, and the Joplin Elk's Elkland Advisory Committee. In 2006, Brad was honored with the Missouri Governor's Missouri Humanities Award. Mr. Speaker, Brad's contributions to the city of Joplin and the state of Missouri are far-reaching, and it is an honor to recognize him.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Central Service Technicians. Central Service Technicians are responsible for processing surgical instruments, supplies and equipment, and serve in settings ranging from hospitals to ambulatory surgical centers throt ghout the country. These individuals provide support to patient care services and are tasked with ensuring supplies needed for patient care are decontaminated, cleaned, assembled, and sterilized. The Central Sterile Supply Department of a health care facility is the heart of all activity surrounding instruments, supplies and equipment required for operating rooms, Endoscopy suites, Intensive Care Units, birth centers and other patient care areas. Central Service Technicians play an important role in patient care arenas, and are responsible for first-line processes to prevent patient infections. Mr. Speaker, Central Service Technicians are instrumental to patient safety and I am honored to recognize their vital role in the health care arena.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, we are trading with Russia right now. This doesn't hurt Russia. This is to prevent hurting us. This is to help our manufacturers and our farmers. If you took manufacturing and farming out of the United States of America, you wouldn't have a whole lot left; and since Russia is in the World Trade Organization, we need to move past that. I support permanent normal trade relations with Russia because permanent normal trade relations is a great opportunity to create new jobs here in America. American workers produce some of the highest-quality manufactured and agricultural goods in the entire world. PNTR will allow our workers to compete on a level playing field--and that's what I'm after--in a new market, and it will give people who are out of work new opportunities to get back on the job. Americans work hard, and they can compete with any nation in the world if given the chance; but there has got to be a fair playing field. PNTR will provide that chance for those to compete fairly in the Russian market. We shouldn't be hamstringing our Nation's workers over a technicality stemming from the Cold War. Americans are suffering right now. They want jobs right now so that they can pay their mortgages and send their children to college and plan for retirement. Expanding opportunities for Americans to sell products in foreign markets is one of the best ways that we can help relieve Americans from the economic hardships that they are now facing. Good jobs for Americans right here in America is not impossible to accomplish. We can make America the best place in the world to do business if we will remove unnecessary bureaucratic burdens off the backs of American workers. Passing PNTR will be a very good first step.